Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks Product Review

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Average Ratings (from 108 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Woolworths is a brand I trust.
I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes
Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks :
4.56 out of 5 based on 108 reviews.

Stock the fridge with a range of Woolworths cheesy lunchbox snacks and you’ll never be short of a healthy snack that’s packed with calcium!

These tasty cheese snacks are great for lunchboxes or on-the-go, made with 100% Australian milk and contain no artificial preservatives, colours or flavours.

In this review, we’re asking Mums to pick up Tasty Cheese Sticks 160g, Tasty Cheese Slices 36pk 750g and Tasty Cheese & Crackers Snacks 4pk, trial and review in lunchboxes and then tell us what they think:

woolworths_back to school review_crunchy snacks dried fruit and air popped corn_cheese & crackers cheese sticks and cheese slices_cheese slices_product image_300x200 woolworths_back to school review_crunchy snacks dried fruit and air popped corn_cheese & crackers cheese sticks and cheese slices_cheese sticks_product image_300x200

woolworths_back to school review_crunchy snacks dried fruit and air popped corn_cheese & crackers cheese sticks and cheese slices_cheese & crackers_product image_300x200

Look for the Cheese snack collection in the Dairy section at Woolworths or when you shop Online. Stock up now so you’re never short of a lunchbox filler!

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Published 23rd January 2018


  • I thought block cheese was cheaper

    I legit thought block cheese was cheaper than slices. I’d brought cheese slicing boards, dodlackys and other magical devices to make my life easier so I could say I used block cheese in my child’s lunch (and secretly high-five myself while eating stashed chocolate behind the pantry door)...but who am I kidding! 1/2 the time the cheese went mouldy and my husband brought processed and shiny cheese singles. Well my family was presently surprised to discover thinly sliced actual cheese on their sandwiches! My oldest child’s comment was something more akin to ‘finally’ while my cheese covered youngest hungrily ate her sandwich while putting her doll to bed (also covered in cheese)! Husband...I’m not sure he could see or taste much under the river of bbq sauce...but I did score a ‘thanks love, that was nice’. So I’m off to high-five the next random woolies employee I happen across!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Snack time favourites packaged up for school lunchboxes

    We as a household love cheese, cheese and crackers, anything really with cheese these little snack packs are ideal to chuck in to the kids lunchboxes it’s a great way for them to get their 2 serves of dairy a day and of course the benefits of calcium for strong healthy bones and teeth
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Healthy

    My kids are really appreciate it they like it so much. They keep tell me to buy more of this items for school. Thanks for letting me know healthy cheese for my boys.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Kids loved them

    My kids absolutely loved all these products. I put the cheese and crackers in their lunchbox and the first thing they said when they got home was “do you have anymore”

    I will have to make another dhop
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Very delicious quality products

    Our family loved the cheese and cracker snacks and the cheese slices the most. We tried the cheese sticks and enjoyed them however not quite as much as another brand we regular purchase.

    Would recommend all of the products though. They are tasty, quality and very affordable compared to other brands.

    Will purchase regularly now.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Cheese!

    How could anyone now love these deliciously convinient snack, perfect serves and the kids loved them. These will definitely become a regularly lunch box snack for our house.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Cheese stick

    I would recommend cheese slices, cheese and crackers and cheese sticks because they an easy snack for kids of all ages and they are easy for younger children
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Kids love these in their lunchbox

    My kids have absolutely loved these in their lunchboxes. The cheese sticks are easily opened and taste great and a hit even for a sneaky snack. The cheese and crackers was another hit and loved by all and now a favourite for lunch. The tasty cheese slices are great and fit perfectly in the sandwiches. We love all of these products and the best thing is they taste great and are affordable for every day lunches and it makes those busy school mornings so much easier for healthy, readily available snacks. These will now be a permanent snack in our lunch boxes.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks

    Awesome products, my eldest loves the cheese sticks, so good that they are real cheese and not the plastic stuff, she has asked for them in her lunch box each day since we bought them. She also loved the crackers, they were easy to open and the biscuits were crunchy. The cheese slices make sandwich making so easy and are very tasty. Highly recommend all three of these products, thanks for the opportunity to trial them!!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Cheese slices

    Omg these cheese slices are great! So tasty! And I love that they aren’t plastic tasting! Can now make my kids sandwhiches with real tasting cheese without having to cut the block all the time! We’ll definitely keep buying these! A new fav in our house
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Easy snacks

    I love the cheese sticks and the cheese and crackers as they are a nutritional snack that is easy to pop into lunch boxes and economical. What is really good is that the cheese sticks are easily opened. Everyone loves the tast and I feel they are having a healthy snack.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Not just for kids

    These are a great snnack for kids lunch boxes as they are easy, nutritious and perfect snack size, but I some times take one with me if I’m on the go and need a snack so rather than going for a biscuit or packet of chips I will had a good calcium snack. They taste great and store well in the fridge. I buy these regularly to fill the. Gaps!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • My friends in the fridge

    We always have a packet of the natural cheese sticks in the fridge alongside cheese slices. The sticks make a great, quick, easy and healthy snack for the kids and the slices are perfect for a quick vegemite and cheese sandwich or toasted cheese and ham sandwich - favourite lunches and snacks of my kids. Great products!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Quick healthy snack

    Woolworths cheese slices and cheese and crackers are great for school lunches or an after school snack. Love that it is quick and easy and the kids don't have to cut the pre sliced cheese.

    The size is great for lunch boxes and a great snack size.

    The kids ask for one of these atleast 2 times a week
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • i always trust the Woolworths homebrand products

    I always buy the woollies Homebrand cheese and crackers and cheese sticks and other products they are of a 5 star quality and no different to any other major brands and the price is so convenient I recommend all the woollies homebrand products to other mums especially the homebrand Greek style yogurt which I mix with the homebrand self raising flour to make a beautiful pizza dough and add toppings to make kids lunch for school
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Cheese sticks and sliced tasty cheese

    My kids love the Woolworths cheese sticks and we switched to the cheaper Woolworths tasty cheese a few months ago and our whole family haven’t noticed a difference expect the cost which is great!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • I thought block cheese was cheaper

    I legit thought block cheese was cheaper than slices. I’d brought cheese slicing boards, dodlackys and other magical devices to make my life easier so I could say I used block cheese in my child’s lunch (and secretly high-five myself while eating stashed chocolate behind the pantry door)...but who am I kidding! 1/2 the time the cheese went mouldy and my husband brought processed and shiny cheese singles. Well my family was presently surprised to discover thinly sliced actual cheese on their sandwiches! My oldest child’s comment was something more akin to ‘finally’ while my cheese covered youngest hungrily ate her sandwich while putting her doll to bed (also covered in cheese)! Husband...I’m not sure he could see or taste much under the river of bbq sauce...but I did score a ‘thanks love, that was nice’. So I’m off to high-five the next random woolies employee I happen across!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • No more lunch shaming

    OMG! The stress of school lunches! I am paranoid I’m going to be that mum who gets lunch shamed. I’m always happy if I have some combination of dairy and protein! I think this is a winner. Cheese stick we’re eaten before I could pack them...but why-oh-why do the cheese and biscuits not come in packs of more than 1? Pleaseeeee
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Woolies Tasty Cheese and Crackers makes my son say ‘Cheese!’

    My children loves it! Particularly my eldest! So now we buy the lot when at Woolies. He says “It’s yummier’ than Le snak”. According to him, it’s because Woolworths Tasty Cheese and crackers’ cheese are not sticky and melting but ‘real cheese’ and the crackers are nice to munch on”! I personally, love it because it’s sold individually in a small pack and is convenient for lunch boxes when you’re time poor.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Snack time favourites packaged up for school lunchboxes

    We as a household love cheese, cheese and crackers, anything really with cheese these little snack packs are ideal to chuck in to the kids lunchboxes it’s a great way for them to get their 2 serves of dairy a day and of course the benefits of calcium for strong healthy bones and teeth
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • So easy

    I Bought the individual cheese sticks. Packaging Is easy to open for little hands and it’s a nice tasting cheddar cheese not plastic tasting cheese. I even take one to work with me in my handbag for a really quick snack. Easy to add if the lunchbox needs something a little extra without extra prep
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Good product

    I like the Woolworths brands. Cheaper than most brands and the kids love it. Easy to put in lunch boxes
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Loved it

    My kids loved the cheese sticks. Convenience plus.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • great for on the run

    Great tasting products - very convient for on the run and out and about. A little pricey for us as a normal buy each week but good as an occasional treat. Loved that the cheese sticks weren’t that cheap processed cheese and featured tasty cheese instead. The crackers were also great - not over the top nice and simple
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Cheese & Crackers better than Maccas.

    Love how transportable the cheese & crackers and cheese sticks are. Grab and go snacks are my go to, in a bag along with grapes and bananas and we are good to go. Great for car trips, no sticky messes and sugar highs.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great, tasty snack!

    My family trialled the Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks and they were enjoyed by all. Whilst I wasn't a fan of the cheese sticks, my children (5,7 and 9) all liked them and was a frequent request for the lunchbox - very convenient to just chuck in the lunchbox for a quick dairy snack! My husband tried the cheese and crackers, he said that the crackers were good but that the cheese could have been better - I didn't get to sample as he had finished the lot so they mustn't have been that bad, haha. The favourite out of all them was the cheese slices. They had the convenience of being pre sliced but still tasted like "real cheese" unlike other cheese slices we have tried. They also came in a convenient container which kept them fresh. We used them on sandwiches, melted on burgers (very tasty this way!), and also just as a quick snack.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Woolworths Cheesy snacks

    Both myself and my four children love the Woolworths brand cheese snacks. This is such a handy product to have in the fridge. It is real cheese (not that horrible rubbery sliced cheese) and tastes great.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Slice of perfection

    I love the Woolworths cheese slice, they are easy, practical and delicious.

    I really appreciated that the bulk pack was divided into three individual packs saving on waste by keeping the cheese fresh.

    The slices are the perfect size for sandwiches and it melts to perfection when toasted.

    I highly recommend them for busy mums
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • That's a cracker

    The woolworths cheese and crackers were a hit, not just with us as they were almost sold out when I purchased them

    They were a great handy snack for lunch on the go.

    The cheese is moreish and you can't go past crackers when snacking on cheese.

    We'll definitely be buying these again.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Cheese if you please

    The cheese sticks were a hit. we loved that they were not only delicious and nutritious, but practical and easy to tuck away in a lunch box.

    They were easy to peel open and had a mild flavour that was moreish and gentle on the tummy.

    I'd definitely buy them again as a staple for the lunchboxes.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks again
    I would recommend Woolworths Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks to other mums
    Woolworths Back to School Cheese Slices, Cheese & Crackers and Cheese Sticks are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes

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Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.

What if I’m overreacting?
What if I’ve got it wrong?

So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.

It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.

Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise

According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.

“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.

Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital

While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.

So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.

“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.

Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone

A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.

You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.

Leticia gets it.

“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”

But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.

Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.

“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”

Remember, we know our children better than anyone.

What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process

If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.

Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
  2. Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
  3. Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.

You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.

What should you actually look out for?

Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.

Things like:

  • Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
  • Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
  • Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
  • Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
  • Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
  • Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse

And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.

That’s enough.

“You are helping us, not bothering us”

If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.

“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.

“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”

The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.

“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”

And if you’re still worried about being judged?

“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”

Find out more, visit health.nsw.gov.au/raiseit

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with NSW Health to bring you this important article.

  • Even as a healthcare professional, when I took my soon to the ED when I was concerned, I felt awkward about speaking up, worried I was making a big deal out of nothing (even though i would never tjink this about a patient’s family if the roles were reversed). The message in this article is so important. Always stick to your guns. Always speak up and advocate for your kids – they can’t do it for themselves.

    Reply

  • And honestly, some medical staff are idiots. I vividly remember the night two doctors huddled over my son’s lung x-rays. I hadn’t been allowed to accompany him to have them taken as I was pregnant. They finally told me solemnly that they were preparing to do emergency surgery as there was something in his lungs – “we don’t know what it is, but it’s definitely man made”. I took one look at the x-rays and asked if they’d taken off the battery packs for his cochlear implants, which were pinned to the back of his shirt, before the x-ray. And of course they hadn’t, and of course that’s what appeared to be in his lungs. Honestly!

    Reply

  • We need more articles like this one. It is important for us to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones in any situation and work with professionals.

    Reply

  • I have learned many times to always listen to your gut and speak up when you don’t think something is right. This article was a great read, our kids are our world and if we don’t feel they are getting the right help, and we feel it, we need to speak up.

    Reply

  • You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.

    Reply

  • A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!

    Reply

  • Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
    So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.

    Reply

  • This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.

    Reply

  • It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.

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  • How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!

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  • This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.

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  • This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.

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  • I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.

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